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EFFICIENCY 

ROBERT H. DAVIS 

AND 

PE11LEY POORE 
SHEEHAN 




WITH APPRECIATION BY THEODORE ROOSEVEL 




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http://www.archive.org/details/efficiencyplayinOOdavi 



EFFICIENCY 

ROBERT H. DAVIS 
PERLEY POORE SHEEHAN 



The original Cast of 
EFFICIENCY 

as produced under the Direction of 

Frank Conroy at 

The Greenwich Village Theatre 

New York 

The Emperor Frank Conroy 

The Professor Eugene Ward 

Number Two-Forty-One . . Joseph Macaulay 




FRANK CONROY 

as "the emperor" in "efficiency' 



The Greenwich Village Edition 

EFFICIENCY 

A PLAY IN ONE ACT 

BY $ £ 
ROBERT H. pAVIS 

AND 

PERLEY POORE SHEEHAN 



WITH APPRECIATION BY 

THEODORE ROOSEVELT 



NEW YORK 

GEORGE H. DORAN COMPANY 

MCMXVII 



, 






COPYRIGHT, 1917, BY ROBERT H. DAVIS 



BEC 31 1917 



PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

©CLA481190 



APPRECIATION BY 

THEODORE ROOSEVELT 



MimopoinAN 

432 FOURTH AVENUE NEW YORK 



-ko§£%SL* 8ova » ber *• 1917 - 



Gentlemen: 

I very heartily congratulate you, as an 
American, upon having produced thiamin the form of a 
play and in now producing it in the form of a story* 
You teach a great lesson. You show in dramatic manner 
now the Prussianized militaristic autocracy of the flohen- 
zollems has turned Germany into an inhuman machine for 
the destruction of what is highest and best in mankind. 
Germany to-day occupies, toward other peoples, and to a 
great extent toward her own docile and deluded working* 
men and peasants, a position which in point of internation- 
al morality does not essentially differ from that of the 
Mongols under Genghis Khan, and the Tartars under Timur. 
But in addition to imitating m or-ala-of- t h a dr s adful^ Mongole 
and Tartars, the Germany of the Hohenzollerns has brought 
every resource of a materialistic civilization, and 
especially every resource of a materialistic science to 
aid in the wide-spread application of their brutal, 
treacherous, and merciless fMttato£« In consequence, Germany 
has made herself a source of horror, to all free peoples. 



ive set out w eli 
German militarism. To complete the picture, however, -pear 



You have set out weH the hideous evil of 



4-32 FOURTH AVENUE -NEW YORK 

Office of 
Iheodore Roosevelt 

■■ 3 «• 

KlgtOUW^ 1 bow this brutal militarism has been aided 
by the unmanlykpacifism in certain other countries, 
including our own. The American professional pacifist 
has been ths efficient ally of the brutal German militar- \ 
ist» Each alike has failed to understand that righteous- 
ness must be our aim; that we must endeavor to secure 
justice and fair-dealing and mercv as between jaan and - , 

man, a»6 as between man and woman^ia^ IxTthe long painful 
struggle to achieve these ends, weakness and timidity are 
trait or. sham virtues/ and those who profess and practice 
them^give aid and comfort to the apostles of brutal 
wrong-doing. 

Sincerely yours, 

Mr . Robert H. Davis, 
Mr. Perley P. Sheenan, 
8 West 40th Street, 
Wew York. 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

The Emperor 
The Scientist 
Number 241 



IX 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Frank Conroy as the Emperor in Efficiency . . Frontispiece 

PAGE 

Scientist: "A triumph over matter. The fragment of a 
soldier reconstructed under the magic touch of Science, 
without which he would to-day be rotting on the field 
— a source of pestilence — a worthless thing. Science 
set him on his feet, gave him a leg, an arm, hands, a 
telephonic ear, a telescopic eye!" 22 

Scientist: "We can now take a soldier, no matter how 
badly wounded and return him to the trenches — no 
longer a bungling mortal man — but a beautiful effi- 
cient machine! . . . We recruit from the hospitals." 

Emperor: "And the hospitals are overflowing. My dear 

Professor. Science is the hope of the dynasty" . . 28 

Emperor: "There is but one higher decoration — the symbol 
of Divine Right — the Reward of Heaven — which I 
alone possess" 32 

Voice of 241 : "You have made me — live — in the dark — 
and now you shall — die in the dark! ... Go as a 
king — should go — to meet the King — of Kings!". . 36 



XI 



EFFICIENCY 



THE PERSONS OF THE PLAY 

The Emperor, a person attired in military costume, in- 
dicating the highest order of elaborate modern 
mode, sage green in tone. He wears a short, olive- 
coloured cape coat, the left flap of which is thrown 
back disclosing: (1) The Order of Merit; (2) the 
Triple Cross; (3) a seven-starred emblem of dia- 
monds, emeralds and rubies, known as the Reward 
of Heaven, designed by the Emperor himself and 
bestowed by the grace of the Almighty upon His 
Majesty's Imperial person. 

The Scientist, a small, thin man, garbed in frock suit, 
flowing black tie ; thin of face ; bulging eyes ; horn 
spectacles; heavy head of grey hair; thin, straggly, 
grey beard and small moustache. He is very ani- 
mated. He wears a long, Inverness style dark 
overcoat and carries a portfolio containing reports 
and statistical matter. 

Number 241, stands six feet; is very erect and stiff of 
posture; closely cropped hair; large face, rather 
heavy of expression. Upon entering he is garbed 
in full-length war-grey cloak, with wide band at 
waist buttoned in front ; the conventional metal war 
helmet now in general use; hands in white-cotton 
gloves. He moves with the deliberation of an au- 
tomaton. In reality he is fifty per cent, human 
and fifty per cent, machine, being composed of: 
(1) left artificial leg; (2) two artificial hands;- (3) 
artificial right forearm and elbow; (4) artificial 
* left eye which Scientist has converted into a tele- 



xvi THE PERSONS OF THE PLAY 



scope; (5) artificial left ear which is also a tele- 
phone; (6) all his teeth are metal — synthetic gold 
— but cheaper and harder. He can bite barbed 
wire in twain. Underneath his great cloak he 
wears the regulation infantry uniform and a bay- 
onet in a scabbard. His speech is laboured. 



SCENE 

Private audience chamber of an Emperor, in purple 
and gold, with magnificent throne-chair carved elab- 
orately, a canopy extending over the seat. Regal flat- 
top table left centre containing mounted figure of the 
Emperor in bronze and a large mushroom gold gong. 
A purple-and-gold cloth falls over both ends of the table. 
The cloth is decorated with crown and sceptre. Heavy 
purple curtains fall from back wall. A modern rifle 
leans against the left back corner. 



EFFICIENCY 



(At rise of curtain stage empty. Enter the 
Emperor followed by the Scientist— the Em- 
peror with a curt and preoccupied air, the Sci- 
entist with an air of fawning enthusiasm.) 

Emperor 

(Crossing toward throne-chair, in which he 
seats himself.) 
Proceed ! Proceed ! 

Scientist 

(Placing portfolio on table and smilingly rub- 
bing his hands.) 
Modesty, Sire, causes me to falter. 

Emperor 
( Without enthusiasm. ) 
My time is limited. The Crown Prince awaits me. 

Scientist 
(Quivering with enthusiasm.) 
When your Majesty comprehends this greatest of all 
birthday gifts! — a million cripples transformed into a 
million fighting units! — your Majesty's might becomes 
terrible ! 

19 



20 EFFICIENCY 



Emperor 
(Indulgently.) 
Generalities ! 

Scientist 

I particularize (as Emperor makes sharp gesture that 
he is ready to listen). The keynote of efficiency is the 
elimination of waste. Our problem was to eliminate 
the waste represented by the wounded. In brief — we 
have succeeded. 

Emperor 
(Beginning to display interest.) 
How so? 

Scientist 

After countless experiments, we can now take a sol- 
dier, no matter how badly wounded, and return him to 
the trenches — a supersoldier — no longer a bungling, 
mortal man — but a beautiful, efficient machine ! 

Emperor 

(Laughing.) 
You are enthusiastic but — not contagious! (depreca- 
tory gesture) — but — (sternly) — your promises have not 
always been kept. The proof! 

Scientist 
(With impulsive devotion.) 
Your Majesty, I foresaw your doubts. I brought — 

Emperor 
Ha ! A — specimen ! 



EFFICIENCY 21 



Scientist 
(Appreciating the jeu d' esprit.) 
Perfectly! He is in the ante-room. 

Emperor 
(Curtly.) 
Bring him in! Bring him in! 

Scientist 

Er — I beg your Majesty's pardon — but — he is not — 
altogether pleasant to look upon. 

Emperor 

Nonsense! Whatever makes for the strength of the 
dynasty is agreeable to the imperial eyes. 

Scientist 
(With tremulous delight.) 
May I? 

Emperor 
Certainly! Make haste! 

Scientist 

(Nimbly crosses to door, opens it, and ejacu- 
lates command.) 
Attention ! Forward ! Hep ! 

(There is a momentary silence, then a metallic 
clatter as if caused by a movement of iron, 
then a heavy step. Enter 241, erect, with 
measured tread, observing nothing. He comes 
down to centre of stage, where he stops in re- 
sponse to the Scientist's order.) 



22 EFFICIENCY 



Halt! 

(As 241 stands at military attention, the Sci- 
entist, with manifest delight, flutters bowing 
before Emperor and explains.) 
The ultimate triumph! — our two hundred and forty- 
first experiment — Hence — Number Two Hundred and 
Forty-One ! 

(During this explanation 241 does not stir.) 
(The Emperor stares at 241 with a sort of hor- 
rified fascination.) 

Emperor 
He — marches — splendidly ! 

Scientist 

The least of his accomplishments. Permit me ! (Re- 
turns to 241, whom he prods, 241 remaining impassive.) 
Magnificent! (gesture of approval as he carries on in- 
spection of arms, hands, body and head of 241. Buns 
finger around left eye, taps gently left ear. Contem- 
plates ensemble and makes gesture for 241 to open 
mouth. 241 opens mouth and shows glittering array of 
metallic teeth; he shuts them with click like a steel 
trap). Perfection! Right arm! (241 lifts right arm 
in stiff but sweeping gesture.) Left knee! (241 crooks 
left knee twice.) Hands! (241 opens and closes both 
cotton-gloved hands and manipulates fingers.) 

Emperor 
You guarantee his efficiency? 

Scientist 
Absolutely. 



I 1 


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SCIENTIST: "A triumph over matter. The fragment of a soldier 
reconstructed under the magic touch of Science, without which 
he would today be rotting on the field — a source of pestilence — a 
worthless thing. Science set him on his feet, gave him a leg, an 
arm. hands, a telephonic ear, a telescopic eve !" 



EFFICIENCY 



Emperor 
Demonstrate. 

Scientist 

(Approaches 241, who continues to stand im- 
mobile, and very swiftly removes helmet, long 
cloak and cotton gloves, disclosing two metallic 
hands and wrists.) 

You ask me, your Majesty, if he is efficient. I reply, 
more efficient than before he fell in battle. (Crosses to 
corner and gets rifle. Returns to centre.) Two-forty- 
one, attention! Observe, your Majesty! (Scientist 
tosses rifle to 241, who catches it surely but stiffly in his 
metal hands, against which the weapon clangs. Scien- 
tist puts 241 through manual of arms. The whole scene 
following is punctuated by military commands in the 
following order:) 

"Attention!" 

"Carry arms!" 
"Present arms!" 
"Shoulder arms!" 
"Parade rest!" 



And now, your Majesty, mark this ! (resuming orders) : 

"Fix bayonets!" 
"Make ready!" 
"Aim!" 
"Fire!" 



(241 completes manoeuvres by pulling trigger 
and snapping loch, whereupon Scientist takes 
rifle and tosses it to settee.) 



24 EFFICIENCY 



Emperor 

(Leaning forward with look of wonderment in 
his face.) 
Colossal ! 

(241 comes to attention and is inert again!) 

Scientist 
Are not the possibilities impressive? 

Emperor 
Beyond our dreams ! 

Scientist 

I estimate the restoration of five army corps now im- 
mobilised because of missing arms and legs, deafened 
ears and blinded eyes. 

Emperor 
(Meditatively.) 
Something of a shock — to — civilisation! 

Scientist 
(Exultant.) 
Stupendous! We recruit from the hospitals! 

Emperor 

(With dawning realisation of the magnitude of 
the suggestion.) 
And the hospitals are overflowing! My dear Profes- 
sor! Science is the hope of the dynasty 



EFFICIENCY 25 



Is it not amazing? 
Quite ! 



Scientist 



Emperor 



Scientist 

(Proceeding with examination.) 
A test for the ear! 

(Scientist taps left ear of 241 gently, then 
crosses behind throne-chair right and makes 
three light taps on back of chair discernible to 
audience, while 241 bends ear attentively in 
that direction, half -turning body. Scientist 
reappears. 241 resumes original posture, sa- 
lutes and holds up three fingers.) 

Emperor 
(Peering around at Scientist.) 
What are you doing? 

Scientist 

I tapped the throne three times, very gently. Did 
your Majesty not hear? 

Emperor 
No. 

Scientist 

Ah, but the supersoldier did — ten paces distant! It 
is stupendous. (He crosses to table, opens portfolio, 
takes out a small white card.) (To Emperor.) With 
your permission. (To 241.) What is written hereon? 
(241 closes right eye and stares fixedly with left.) 



26 EFFICIENCY 



241 

Noth — ing. 

Scientist 

(Smiles knowingly at Emperor. Turns card 
over.) 

Ah, very good. (Scientist holds card up again.) 
Once more. 

241 

(After a moment of staring he reads deliber- 
ately. ) 

A — nation 's — will — should — be — the — will — 
to — power ! 

Emperor 
(Takes card from Scientist and glances at it.) 
Correct ! 

Scientist 

(Crossing to centre and returning card to port- 
folio, then addressing Emperor.) 

This is my greatest achievement. Never has science 
done so much for the human animal. From a shat- 
tered, bleeding wreck of no value to his country I have 
made him into an efficient man — hands of steel, leg of 
bronze, arm of nickel and aluminum, telescopic eye, an 
ear that 

(241 bends his ear off stage left.) 

Emperor 

(Startled.) 

You hear something? What do you hear? 



EFFICIENCY 27 



241 

A — bugle-call — sounding the assembly! 

Emperor 
Impossible! Open the door! 

(Scientist opens door and distant bugle-call is 
faintly heard off stage.) 

Emperor 
(In astonishment.) 
God in heaven! Miraculous! (as Scientist gently 
closes door aglow with triumph). What have you ac- 
complished ? 

Scientist 
(With fervour.) 
A resurrection! 

Emperor 
Complete ! 

Scientist 

A triumph over matter. The fragment of a soldier 
reconstructed under the magic touch of Science, with- 
out which he would to-day be rotting on the field — a 
source of pestilence — a worthless thing. Science set 
him on his feet, gave him a leg, an arm, hands, a tele- 
phonic ear, a telescopic eye! 

Emperor 
(Leans back and deliberately inspects 241.) 
How long have you been in my service ? 
(241 hesitates and salutes.) 



28 



EFFICIENCY 



Scientist 
You may speak. 

241 

Eighteen — years — Majesty. 



Married ? 
Yes, Majesty. 
Children? 
Seven — Maj esty . 
Five sons! 



Emperor 

241 
Emperor 

241 
Scientist 

241 



(Bitterly.) 
One dead — three — at — the — front — my youngest fol- 



lows- 



His age? 



Emperor 
241 



(Swallowing.) 
Sixteen ! 

Emperor 
(Coldly to Scientist, referring to 241.) 
When does his furlough end? 




SCIENTIST: "We can now take a soldier, no matter how badly 
wounded, and return him to the trenches — no longer a bungling 
mortal man — but a beautiful, efficient machine ! . . . We recruit 
from the hospitals." 



EMPEROR: "And the hospitals are overflowing 
fessor, Science is the hope of the dynasty." 



My dear Pro- 



EFFICIENCY 29 



Scientist 

Noon, to-morrow. By nightfall he will again be in 
the trenches. 

Emperor 
(Reflectively.) 

And if he returns — I will award him the Triple Cross. 
(More brightly.) This will stimulate the military ar- 
dour of the Crown Prince. It will delight him to see 
this — reassembled soldier. 

Scientist 
(Recalling an important detail.) 
And moreover, your Majesty, there is this aspect to 
be considered. We are manufacturing human extremi- 
ties on a standard, interchangeable basis. For example, 

as your Majesty perceives, this left leg (picks up 

ruler from desk and raps left leg of 241, which gives 
out metallic ring) , is metal. As is also his left forearm, 
including the elbow. (Taps it.) And both hands. 
(Taps them also. 241 receives these attentions stoically 
as each member of his body clangs in a different note.) 
Furthermore, your gracious Majesty, if any or all of 
these parts are shattered in the course of battle, our 
corps of trained mechanicians, ever at hand, supplies 
the parts by numbers, and the fighting unit embodied in 
the individual returns with but little loss of time and 
the minimum of inconvenience to your Majesty's service. 

Emperor 
What does he weigh? 

Scientist 

Equipped? (Emperor nods.) One hundred and 
seventy-five pounds. 



SO EFFICIENCY 



Emperor 
And without his equipment? 

Scientist 
One hundred and five. 

Emperor 
(Brushing his hand across his forehead.) 
Little more than half a man. 

Scientist 

True, your Majesty. And therefore requires but half 
the rations, half the care of a whole unit. There is 
that much less to nourish. 

Emperor 

You have brought about the greatest advance in the 
history of civilisation. Tell me, what else of the tele- 
scopic eye? That interests me. I shall be surprised at 
nothing. Your achievements baffle. 

Scientist 

The telescopic eye, your Majesty — (Scientist circles 
the left eye of 241 with his finger) is superior to the 
human eye in two important characteristics. First, it 
possesses the telescopic quality as you have observed; 
and, second, its power is undiminished by darkness. 

Emperor 
( With incredibility. ) 
You mean he can see in the dark? 



EFFICIENCY 31 



Scientist 
Just that. And moreover, your Majesty- 



Emperor 
interest!] 

Scientist 



Halt! This is very interesting. We will test that 
also. Demonstrate. 



(Dubiously.) 
Does your Majesty object to darkness? 

Emperor 
(Hesitates; then replies with an effort.) 
No. The electric switch is there (points to white but- 
ton on the table). 

Scientist 
(To 241.) 
Right about face! Give attention to His Majesty! 
(Scientist crosses to table and lays his finger beside the 
button. 241 observes the whole transaction carefully. 
To Emperor.) I will switch off the light. Be so kind 
as to perform any act you may, and he will describe 
your movements. Are you ready? 

Emperor 
(Bracing himself in the chair.) 
Lights out! (Scientist presses button. Stage is in 
total darkness.) Describe my movements as they occur. 

Voice of Scientist 

(To 241.) 
Do you understand His Majesty? 



32 EFFICIENCY 



Voice op 241 

Yes. He — leans — forward — in — his — chair. He — 
lifts — both — his — hands. The — palms — come — together. 
He — bows — his — head — in — prayer. 

Voice of Emperor 

(Sharply.) 
Lights ! 

(Scientist presses button. Lights on, disclos- 
ing Emperor exactly in the attitude described 
by 241, with a startled look on his face, palms 
still together.) 

Scientist 
Enough, your Majesty? 

Emperor 

(Relaxing nervously.) 
It is beyond human understanding. (Recovers him- 
self and rises) — And it gives me infinite happiness to be- 
stow upon you this mark of our esteem. (Takes from 
his own breast the Order of Merit and pins it on breast 
of Scientist.) The Order of Merit! There is but one 
higher decoration — the symbol of Divine Right — the Re- 
ward of Heaven. (Emperor lays his hand on the 
seven-starred emblem.) Which I alone possess. 

Scientist 

(Overwhelmed, bows and kisses Emperor's 
hand.) 
Your gracious Majesty! To have received this 
from your imperial hand on your Majesty's birthday is 
indeed a distinction. 




EMPEROR: "There is but one higher decoration — the symbol of 
Divine Right — the Reward of Heaven — which I alone possess." 



EFFICIENCY 33 



(A furtive glance escapes 241, a thin smile re- 
veals his metallic teeth; a sinister look comes 
into his eyes. Emperor reseats himself with 
a gesture of benediction.) 

Emperor 

I marvel at his dexterity — at his auricular powers — 
at his incomparable eyesight! What is his range of 
vision ? 

Scientist 

Your Majesty, he can see the enemy twenty or thirty 
miles away, count its cannon, its horses, its equipment. 

Emperor 
(Quickly.) 
Wait ! I will make another test. I carry next to my 
heart the smallest copy of the Bible extant. It can 
be read only under a microscope. Is the test too se- 
vere ? 

Scientist 

On the contrary, your Majesty: it is preferable. 
{Crosses and takes Bible from Emperor's hand. Turns 
to 241.) Attention! Right about face! (241 salutes.) 
I open the book at haphazard. Read a verse from this 
page. 

241 

Matthew — Fifth — Chapter — fourth — verse. ' ' Blessed 
— are — they — that — mourn — for — they — shall 
— be — comforted. ' ' 

Scientist 
The fifth. 



34, EFFICIENCY 



241 

" Blessed — are — the — meek — for — they — 
shall — inherit — the — earth. ' ' 

(Scientist turns to Emperor and bows, the 
book still open in his hands.) 

Emperor 

He is right. I am familiar with Matthew. Turn to 
another page. 

(Scientist opens the Bible elsewhere. Holds it 
up.) 

Scientist 
(To 241.) 
Attention ! Read. 

241 

Isaiah — Third — Chapter — fifteenth — verse. ' ' What — 
mean — ye — that — ye — beat — my — people — to 
— pieces — and — grind — the — faces — of — the — 
poor — saith — the — Lord — God — of — Hosts. ' ' 

Emperor 
STOP! 

(Emperor leans back in his chair under stress of 
great emotion, his hand sweeping his brow re- 
peatedly. Scientist closes the book, bows 
again with greater humility and returns the 
book to Emperor.) 

Emperor 
(Takes book and thrusts it in his bosom.) 
His powers are diabolical. I wish to experiment with 
him alone. (Relaxes and gazes vaguely into the dis- 



EFFICIENCY 35 



tance. Scientist drops portfolio and coat cm settee.) 
Hasten ! I will summon you with that bell. 

(241 remains stolidly at attention, an expres- 
sion of awakening purpose in his eyes.) 

Scientist 

Your Majesty commands. 

(Boivs elaborately. Exit Left. Emperor 
with Imperial dignity stares 241 down after a 
duel of the eyes, imposing his will upon the 
soldier. Follows a moment of inspection in 
which wonderment is the dominant note. He 
rises from the throne and walks slowly half 
way around the impassive soldier, studying him 
critically. Emperor's expression changes to 
bewilderment tinged with fear. The situation 
is uncanny.) 

Emperor 
Where were you born? 

241 

In — the — South — Ma j esty . 

Emperor 
Your trade? 

241 

{With a helpless, involuntary gesture, extend- 
ing his hands.) 
I — was — a — florist. (Emperor stares at the metal 
hands, 241 observing the expression.) I made — 
bouquets. Not — with — these — (Emperor averts his 
face ) — but — with — my — absent — hands. 



36 EFFICIENCY 



Emperor 
(Reseating himself.) 
War is not a festival of flowers. 

241 

Majesty— a wreath — I could make — slowly — for the 
dead. 

(He leans toward the Emperor.) 

Emperor 

(Observing the somewhat cynical note of the 
soldier, becomes grave.) 
Are you not grateful to Science for these wonders 
performed? (241 salutes.) Speak! 

241 

What— shall— I— say ? 

Emperor 
You are a man again — you are whole once more! 

241 

Yes — Ma j esty . But — my — heart — is — broken. 

Emperor 
Why? 

241 
My — people — are — starving — my — wife — is — lonely — 

Emperor 
Then you are not proud that Science has found a way 
to double the strength of our Army? 




VOICE OF 241: "You have made me — live — in the dark — and now 
you shall die in the dark ! ... Go as a king — should go — to 
meet the King — of Kings !*' 



EFFICIENCY 37 



241 

By — bringing — me — twice — to — slaughter. 

Emperor 

(Leaning forward, with ferocity, his hands on 
the arms of his chair.) 
What, ingrate? 

241 

By — doubling — the — strength — of — your — 
army — you — have — multiplied — human — grief. 

(Takes two steps laboriously toward Em- 
peror.) 

Emperor 

You dare rebel in the presence of your Emperor? 

241 

Dare ? The — fear — has — gone — out — of — my — tor- 

tured — body — into — yours. 

(Takes another step toward electric button, his 
heavy feet sounding ponderously. Emperor 
cowers back in the chair, hollow-eyed.) 

Emperor 

Down on your knees and crave your Emperor's par- 
don! 

241 

That — part — of — me — which — is — steel — 

— cannot — bend — to — mortal — man. I — will — 
get — down — on — my — knees — only — to — God 

— and — ask — Him — to — forgive — me — what — 



38 EFFICIENCY 



I — now — intend — to — do. Twice — in — the — 
red — shambles — of — the — trenches! I — am — 
the — hope — of — the — dynasty? (throws his arm wide). 
No — I — am — the — hope — of — the — people! (with trem- 
bling rigidity 241 reaches toward electric button). The 

— day — of — your — birth — shall — henceforth — 
be — known — as — the — day — of — your — death 

— and — celebrated — as — the — birthday — of — 
liberty ! 

(241 smashes electric button with his steel 
hand. Total darkness follows. Two slow foot- 
falls are followed by a gasping intake of breath 
from the throne-chair.) 

Voice of Emperor 
(In terror.) 
Lights. Lights ! 

Voice of 241 
I — need — no — lights. 

Voice of Emperor 
(Gaspingly.) 
Lights ! 

Voice of 241 
You — have — made me — live — in the dark — and now 
you shall — die in the dark! 

Voice of Emperor 
(Choking.) 
Mercy ! 

Voice of 241 

You — cannot — escape — me — in — the — shadows. I — 
can — see — you — I — can — hear — you. Come — to — my — 



EFFICIENCY 39 



iron — arms! Don't — tremble! Don't — shrink! Go — as 
— a — king — should — go — to — meet — the — 
King — of — Kings ! 

(A rush of feet; an overwhelming impact of 
bodies; a shriek of agony from, the depths; the 
overturning of the throne; a scuffle in which 
the human body mingles with the rattle of 
metal; a long, choking, gasping blast; a ripple 
of stertorous breath; the clink of metal as 241 
gets to his feet. Silence. Again the ponder- 
ous footfalls are heard crossing the room, which 
is still in darkness. 241 puts on his overcoat, 
his helmet, etc. Footfalls are again heard 
crossing to the table. 241 presses the electric 
button. Lights.) 

{There stands 241 in full equipment, the Em- 
peror lying at the foot of the shattered throne 
crumpled up in the most unkingly attitude, the 
emblem known as the Reward of Heaven glit- 
tering in the light. 241 bends down, rends it 
from the Emperor's bosom, fixes it upon his 
own left breast, comes to attention, and rings 
the gong on the table, which gives out a low re- 
verberating note. 241 then turns to the door 
and stands with his arms stiffly suspended at 
his side, his chest thrown out and a light of vic- 
tory in his eyes.) 

(Enter Scientist, left. He takes in the whole 
terrible scene, cowers back.) 

Scientist 
(Gasps as he stares at 241.) 
What is this? 



40 EFFICIENCY 



241 

(Raising his metal fingers to heaven with an 
air of thunderous, choking finality.) 

EF— FI— CIEN— CT! 



(Curtain.) 



I HMM11 




^■wnnrnmrnmiynHiimHunimm 



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